Drivers warned to slow down as Storm Erik hits Donegal

Some patchy rain across eastern England before the heavy rain across the west this morning spreads east to reach here in the afternoon, accompanied by winds gusting to 40-50mph.

Elsewhere around the country, there is a Status Yellow wind warning, and will come into effect at 5am on Friday and conclude at 6am on Saturday.

The public has been warned of of disruption with "delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport" likely.

Met Éireann on Thursday issued four separate weather warnings for Ireland, two Status Orange and two Status Yellow ahead of Storm Erik.

Met Éireann has said wind speeds are set to average between 65-80km/h in affected areas, with gusts hitting up to 130km/h, adding that there will be stormy conditions for a time in western and northern coastal counties. The latest update from Met Eireann has the warning for Donegal in place until 6.00 am on Saturday.

"Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will gradually abate".

He said: "Southwesterly winds will strengthen across the United Kingdom on Friday, so it's going to be a windy day for everyone".

With Storm Erik set to barrel through the United Kingdom in the coming days, the bookies now make it just a 7/4 shot of 80mph winds.